Lewis Hamilton has openly shared his enthusiasm for Formula 1’s growing presence in the United States, highlighting the sport’s expanding reach and impact. With Formula 1 making a strong return to the US after a significant break, Hamilton expressed optimism about how the sport is winning over American fans by bringing races closer to them.
After a period without events in the United States, Formula 1 resumed its American races in 2012 with the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) hosting the Grand Prix. This followed several years when the sport competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is best remembered for the controversial 2005 race where only six cars participated due to tire safety concerns. Since then, Formula 1 has steadily increased its footprint in the country, with three US races planned for the 2025 calendar: the Miami Grand Prix, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and the United States Grand Prix.
Hamilton Reflects on the Return of Formula 1 to American Tracks
Years before Formula 1’s re-entry to the US market, Lewis Hamilton discussed the potential for the sport to reconnect with American audiences during an interview in 2012. At the time, the series was about to return after a five-year hiatus, and Hamilton, then driving for McLaren, emphasized the importance of bringing cars directly in front of fans to help grow interest.
“It’s really a matter of getting the car in front of people. Once you hear it and see it, feel the noise—then maybe they’ll turn out for a race. I don’t quite know how F1 will play in Oklahoma and places like that, but every time I’m in California, I swear more people recognize me—genuine fans.”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Hamilton also expressed his personal fondness for the US lifestyle and culture, explaining how much he enjoyed being in the country during his travels.
“I love it in the States. The roads are big, the food is big. If it was possible to be in L.A. and still live my racing life, I would move now,”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Excitement Builds Around Formula 1’s Expansion in the USA
As Formula 1 pushed forward with new races on American soil, Hamilton voiced his excitement about the sport ‘cracking’ the United States market, particularly around the debut of the Miami Grand Prix in 2022. Speaking ahead of the event, Hamilton recognized how much larger the fanbase was becoming and welcomed the opportunity to race on the vibrant Miami streets.
“Yes, I mean, growing up knowing how amazing the sport is and seeing that there was still quite a disconnect between the US and the rest of the world in terms of the passion for this sport, it’s really amazing to see that we’ve cracked it and there’s a growing love in the States.”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
He also highlighted the unique experience awaiting fans and drivers alike during the Miami race weekend, noting the appeal the United States offers to the global racing community.
“There are massive sporting fans out there. And I mean, Miami is going to be an experience for all of us, for the racing community, for those that are the fans out there that are watching, the fans that are going to be flying in that maybe have never been there before. The US has a lot to offer in that space. So, it’s super exciting,”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Challenges and Growth Following the US Expansion
Despite the enthusiasm around the Miami GP, Hamilton’s debut in the event did not yield the result he hoped for, as he finished sixth, matching his qualifying position without advancing further up the grid. Nonetheless, his overall optimism remains high as Formula 1 continues to deepen its roots in the American market.
The sport’s sustained growth in the United States represents a strategic expansion into a nation with vast sporting audiences and untapped potential for motorsport. The increasing number of races on the calendar reflects Formula 1’s commitment to capitalizing on this opportunity and connecting with new generations of fans.
Looking ahead, the addition of multiple US races including those in Miami and Las Vegas, alongside the well-established United States Grand Prix at COTA, is poised to further enhance the sport’s popularity and presence. Hamilton’s support and passion for the sport’s development in America underline the importance of this market within Formula 1’s global ambitions.
